Smallwares

Adventurous palates, your must-try restaurant list should include this bold and stylish Fremont Street eatery, where Chef Johanna Ware (Nostrana, Momofuku) is making her unique mark on the Portland dining scene with exotic “inauthentic Asian” small plates like carrot gnocchi with nori puree and chicken lollipops with Sriracha mayo. Unless you’re a native northeaster, you’ll have to make the trek to sleepy Beaumont, but digging into a dozen raw oysters du jour with fish sauce, cilantro and lime kombu, ultra silky, spicy pork-topped mapo dofu and crab noodle soup, you’ll be glad you spent the rickshaw fare. And if you’re up past your bedtime and on the hunt for late night salty-spicy drinking food, look no further than adjoining Barwares, which serves cocktails and elevated bar treats like Chinese sausage and chive pancakes nightly until 1am.

Details

Cuisine: Asian

Executive Chef: Johanna Ware

Owner: Johanna Ware

Atmosphere: Stylish, hip spot with tons of natural light; feels upscale but service is down to earth and there's a relaxing vibe

Outdoor seating: Sidewalk tables

Best Seat: Any table will do, or sit at the bar

Noise Level: Very peaceful when lightly occupied, normal when full

Dress Code: Casual, but you won't feel out of place if you dress up a bit

Bring the Kids: Yes, there is a kid's menu of rice or noodles with accompaniments

Parking: Street parking is free and easy to find

Cocktails: Excellent house cocktails ($8-$10) and full bar

Beer: Great selection on draft and bottled, plus hard cider and sake ($3-$10)